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Wet shoes creating mold
2/6/2018 (Permalink)
Tracking snow in
Winter time means snow in the midwest. Walk through any snow and it sticks to your shoes and possibly clothes depending on how deep it is. Of course we go inside and track in the snow which eventually melts. As creatures of habit we tend to take our shoes off in the same spot. If you have a tile floor where you take off your shoes you have a lot less to worry about with mold but many of us have carpeted floors. Being we take our shoes off in about the same place the carpet gets wet and if we have a lot of snow on our shoes maybe enough water that the pad gets wet too. A further problem is maybe the whole family takes off their shoes in the same spot. If this is the case be wary of mold as it never really gets a chance to dry thoroughly as we go in day in and day out tracking that snow back to the same spot which creates a moisture problem for mold to grow and the heat in the house creates a nice warm environment adding to the chance mold will grow.
A Simple Solution
A nice simple way to help avoid this if you do not have a hard surface to take your shoes off at is to create an area right inside the door for everyone to take their shoes off at. Instead of being directly on the carpet grab a cheap rug or mat that can go right inside thew door. The mat could be plastic and dished so the water stays inside. If a small rug it is something that can be washed and/or dried regularly to keep the mold from forming and will keep it from your regular carpet as well. When spring hits it will also keep people from tracking mud into the house. Now getting people to remember to use it - that is the problem if you family is like mine and many others. They may need a few reminders.